South Australian Police probe 'club paid young footballers with marijuana to play sport' claims

Apr 30, 3:50 pm

Melbourne, Apr 30(ANI):
South Australian Police are investigating allegations that talented young footballers have been given marijuana in exchange for playing the game.

Port Lincoln Football League chief executive Robyn Rowsell said she was aware of the allegations and had passed them on to police.

"An accusation has been put forward. I have no proof but I have passed them on to police," The Age quoted Rowsell, as saying.

Her statement came after at least two teenage players told junior delegates at the Port Lincoln Football League
that they were paid "a stick [of marijuana] per game" last season by Boston Football Club representatives.

Port Lincoln police spokesperson Michael Taylor said the police were aware of the allegations but would not comment further.

The matter reportedly was to be tabled at the junior delegates meeting at Port Lincoln by local pastor and junior coach Lutz Mueller, vice-chairman of the junior delegates, who wanted those involved stood down pending a league investigation.

Mueller said he had also reported the matter to Port Lincoln police.

"It's common knowledge in the community but no one's been prepared to do anything about it. I've been told of text messages where a club has suggested to players they would [increase the amount] for certain players. We're talking about potentially brilliant young indigenous players who are at risk here," he said.

Mueller said he was unhappy his previous attempts to expose the player drug payments had fallen on deaf ears.

Boston Football Club president Doug McFarlane was unavailable for comment on the issue. (ANI)

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